Houses Without Names: Architectural Nomenclature and the Classification of America's Common Houses.
Knoxville, TN: University of Tennessee Press, 2013. First edition. Glossy Pictorial Wraps. Small quarto, pp. 112, indexed, notes, illustrated with b/w photographs and drawings. Includes a custom bookmark signed with original pen and ink drawing by the author. New. Item #20373
An important book by Thomas Hubka, author of the well-known book on New England rural vernacular architecture, "Big House, Little House, Back House, Barn." In this book, Hubka points out that there are millions of ordinary, mostly working-class neighborhood houses that do not fall into the standard categories of recognized architectural styles. These unnamed homes constitute the largest percentage of American housing in all regions and historic periods, yet continue to go unclassified and thus unrecognized for preservation purposes and ignored in local architectural histories and neighborhood planning schemes. Furthermore, the standard architectural style classification scheme focuses exclusively on the facade and exterior details of a building, ignoring both similarities and differences in interior plan between buildings of the same exterior style. Based on years of field observation, this book provides a working vocabulary for the study and appreciation of America's common houses. A much-needed, thoroughly researched, and thoughtful contribution to the field of architecture and preservation.
Price: $35.00